Michigan’s Favorite Shark from Shark Week is a Fierce Brute

Growing up near the Gulf of Mexico, I always had a slight paranoia about sharks, but now that I live in Michigan, that fear recedes when I’m at the Great Lakes. While I might be in the minority, it’s clear that America, in general, has a fascination with sharks. Despite the shift away from cable TV, Shark Week remains a summer staple, dominating screens across the country as people learn about these fascinating predators.

Shark Week, featured on the Discovery Channel and Discovery+, captures the nation’s attention every year. John Cena’s recent hosting role added another layer of excitement to the event. One intriguing aspect is the spike in Google searches for various shark species during Shark Week, with certain states showing more interest in specific types of sharks.

This year, BetMGM took a deep dive into which states preferred which shark species. In Michigan, the Bull Shark garnered the most attention, echoing a broader national trend where searches for Bull Sharks saw a 265% increase during Shark Week.

Michigan joined 15 other states in showing a heightened interest in Bull Sharks. However, the Greenland Shark emerged as the most popular, topping the search charts in 16 states.

The National Wildlife Federation notes that Bull Sharks are among the most dangerous due to their frequent proximity to beaches and their ability to migrate up rivers. Bull Sharks are fascinating because they can survive in freshwater, theoretically allowing them to live in the Great Lakes. However, the cold temperatures of the lakes would likely prevent them from thriving there.

Shark Week provides an engaging way for people to learn more about these formidable creatures, making it a cultural phenomenon every summer. It’s a reminder of our ongoing fascination with the mysteries of the ocean.

Source: National Wildlife Federation, Discovery Channel, BetMGM